Fred Yeager, Ph.D., 1938 – 2011

The professor of finance taught in the John Cook School of Business for more than 40 years.

A longtime Saint Louis University professor has passed away. Fred Yeager, Ph.D., professor of finance, died April 12. He was 72.

Dr. Yeager joined the SLU faculty in 1970 as an assistant professor of finance, was named an associate professor in 1974 and became a full professor in 1981.

Fred Yeager, Ph.D.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Liberty State College in 1962, Dr. Yeager went on to West Virginia University where he earned his MBA in 1968 and his doctorate in 1972.

During his more than four decades at SLU, Dr. Yeager served on the faculty senate, chaired the University Small Business Institute Committee and directed the Small Business Institute programs.

Ellen Harshman, Ph.D., dean of the John Cook School of Business, said Yeager was a wonderful leader and great colleague whose dedication to teaching was profound.

"Fred was, first and foremost, committed to his students," Harshman said. "He had a special gift as a teacher and made such a positive difference in the lives of the students he taught over the years as a finance department faculty member."

"His passing saddens us all but we have been enriched by his presence in our lives."

Neil Seitz, Ph.D., professor of finance and a long-time colleague, noted Yeager's many accomplishments and said his greatest priority was teaching and his students.

"Fred published articles in leading journals, presented at international conferences, authored a pioneering book and consulted with some of the world's most recognized companies, but those achievements were secondary," Seitz said.

"Our students were always his first priority," Seitz added. "Fred set a standard for all of us to aspire to as a dedicated, generous and caring teacher. The word most often used to describe Fred was 'kind.' We will miss him as a colleague, a model and a friend."

Decision sciences professor Ik-Whan Kwon, Ph.D., director of the Center for Supply Chain Management Studies, shared an office with Yeager for 15 years and said his dedication to students was remarkable.

"The greatest impact and legacy Fred leaves is his love and respect for students -- especially students from foreign countries. He cared for and nurtured them in every way he knew how," Kwon said. "His office was always open for any student who needed his help"

"His house was always filled with foreign students, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. Fred went the extra mile in helping students -- holding their hands, directing them to the right places, offices and faculty for help. To Fred, students were his family."

Over the years Kwon and Yeager also became close friends as well as colleagues.

"I am fortunate enough to have known him and his family for more than 40 years," Kwon added. "He was a respected colleague, faculty member and part of the University community for nearly four decades. His presence will be sorely missed."

Dr. Yeager is survived by his wife, Helen, daughters Colleen Beckemeyer and Margie Curran (Tim), sons Tom (Ann) and Tim (Dara) and 13 grandchildren as well as a brother, Albert, and sisters Connie Mayers (Rich) and Betty Ainsworth (Bob).

A memorial celebration of Dr. Yeager's life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at St. Francis Xavier College Church followed immediately by a reception.